September is World Alzheimer Month
September is World Alzheimer Month
Reflect on healthy brain practices with BC Blueberries
In September, the world rallies together to celebrate World Alzheimer Month, the international campaign hosted by Alzheimer Disease International (ADI). On September 21, 2021, nations celebrated the official World Alzheimer Day.
With the month coming to a close, it’s important to reflect on how we can keep our brains healthy throughout the rest of the year.
Alzheimer’s Disease Goes Undiagnosed
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and is prominent in individuals 65 and older. The 2021 ADI report found that “75% of people with dementia globally are undiagnosed, equating to 41 million people” (The World Alzheimer Report 2021, 2021).
According to Alzheimer Society Canada, the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Memory loss affecting day-to-day activities
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation in time and space
For the full list of warning signs, visit Alzheimer.ca.
Noticing the signs of Alzheimer’s can help with early recognition and treatment. By bringing attention to World Alzheimer Month and the signals of Alzheimer’s, BC Blueberries hopes that British Columbians will pay closer attention to brain health and early disease indications.
Combating Alzheimer’s with a Healthy Brain
Dementia develops when there are risk factors that make it difficult for the brain to repair itself (Alzheimer Society Canada, 2021). Although some risks may be unavoidable, Alzheimer Society Canada recommends the following brain-healthy choices:
- Stay physically active
- Stay socially active
- Challenge your brain
- Make safe choices
- Manage stress
- Follow a healthy diet
Read more about strategies to reduce your risk of dementia at Alzheimer.ca.
BC Blueberries Add to a Healthy Diet
Alzheimer Society Canada notes that a healthy diet contains a wide variety of colours. BC Blueberries are one of the “blue and purple fruits and vegetables” that “tend to be packed with anti-oxidants” (Alzheimer Society Canada, 2021).
Also known as “nature’s superfood,” BC Blueberries are filled with polyphenolic compounds like anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Anthocyanins also give blueberries their distinct colour and work against harmful-by products in the body known as “free-radicals.” These “free radicals” contribute to age degenerative diseases (including Alzheimer’s) and cancer.
Not only do BC Blueberries help keep your mind healthy, but they are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that also make you feel better. Incorporating healthy foods on a daily basis makes it easier to follow a healthy diet, and gives you energy to stay physically and socially active!
Keep connected throughout World Alzheimer Month by following @alzdisint, @alzheimercanada and @bcblueberries, and use the hashtags #WorldAlzMonth #KnowDementia and #KnowAlzheimers.